Liverpool hotels group Signature Living to sponsor national LGBT Awards

Posted 11 May 2016

And call goes out to Merseyside businesses to support this year’s Liverpool Pride Festival

Liverpool hotel developer and operator, Signature Living , has announced it is sponsoring the upcoming RBS British LGBT Awards.

The firm is partnering with the awards show as part of its commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace.

The British LGBT Awards, which take place this Friday at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, is dubbed Britain’s ‘gay Oscars’.

Voted for by the public and a high-profile judging panel, the event recognises the people and organisations the gay community has a great affection for.

A string of gay celebrities and straight allies will be in attendance on the night which sees award nominations for Scouse stars including Paul O’Grady, Hollyoaks’ Kieron Richardson and James Sutton, as well as fashion designers Philip and Tony Armstrong.

A series of accolades for LGBT charities, organisations and business leaders will also be awarded.

A number of the Signature Living team will also be present at the awards bash.

Signature Living co-founder Lawrence Kenwright said: “As a company we recognise that having the best pool of talent requires us to be committed to equality and divsersity and this awards event helps us highlight our efforts.

“There are some fantastic names in business who are up for awards – it is set to be a great night.”

Meanwhile, organisers of this year’s Liverpool Pride Festival are calling on the region’s businesses and organisations to join them on their most ambitious march to date, in a bid for Liverpool to be the most visible LGBT city in the UK.

Community arts organisation Brouhaha International have also been commissioned via funding received from the Arts Council of England to provide animation at this year’s march which takes place through the city streets on Saturday, July 30.

Starting from St George’s Cultural Quarter, the Liverpool Pride March, now in its seventh consecutive year, remains one of the most vibrant and poignant parts of the festival.

Michael Carey, from Liverpool Pride Festival, said: “I encourage all businesses to stand proud and take this opportunity to showcase their corporate social responsibility towards their staff and customers.

“And to avoid any misunderstanding, the march is not restricted to LGBT communities but is for anyone that wants to raise awareness and help to make a difference.“

Joan Burnett, a rrustee Of Liverpool Pride, added: “Every year the people of Liverpool take our theme and run riot with creativity.

“This year we’ve chosen to focus on Liverpool Icons as our theme and we can’t wait to see what people create.

“Our march has a serious point to make about inclusivity and equality, but is also about having a great time. So, we’re looking for your icons – fun and fabulous like Cilla, Holly Johnson or April Ashley or beacons of social change like Bessie Braddock or Charles Wootton – make us laugh, make us think but make us proud.”

Organiers are asking all types of businesses, organisations and individuals to get involved and support LGBT, equality and diversity both in the city and in the workplace.